18/10/2024

Georges River Council has launched a new campaign to tackle the growing issue of illegal dumping, which is costing the community thousands every year to clean up.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the severe impacts of illegal dumping on the community and environment.

It will target hotspot areas across the Georges River area and encourage residents to report incidents of illegal dumping through Council’s online request form.

“Illegal dumping not only poses serious health hazards, but it also damages our local environment and places an unnecessary financial burden on Council and ratepayers,” said David Tuxford, Georges River Council General Manager.

“We need the community to join us in keeping our streets, parks, and bushland clean by reporting any illegal dumping they witness.”

It is an offence to litter or illegally dump waste under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Individuals or corporations caught illegally dumping can face expensive fines of up to $15,000 and/or prison sentences.

Since January 2023, there have been 3302 reported cases of illegal dumping, including incidents involving asbestos. These clean-ups have cost over $300,000, burdening the Council and ratepayers with expenses that could otherwise support community services.

Illegal dumping poses serious health risks and may attract pests or create mosquito breeding grounds. It also contaminates soil and waterways, harms wildlife, and decreases property values in affected areas.

Residents can help by submitting an online request if they witness illegal dumping or find dumped materials. The form is available on Georges River Council's Log It/Fix It page.

Alternatively, residents of the Georges River Local Government Area can book a bulky waste collection on Council’s Bulky Waste page.